Devon-Walks.co.uk
The Home of Walking in Devon
Equipment for Walking in Devon
All you need to enjoy a nice walk in Devon is the motivation to go out and do it and some legs! But as any man will tell you part of the attraction of any leisure pursuit is the equipment that goes with it and walking is no different. As technology advances there is always a nice new shiny product to buy. However I’m a firm believer in keeping things simple, do you really need to spend £200 on a pair of boots if you are only going for a stroll along Babbacombe Beach? Having said that I also recognise the importance of being properly prepared for the conditions you are going to meet. There is now no reason to put yourself in danger or suffer unnecessary discomfort through having the wrong equipment. This could be as basic as getting sunburnt on a hot spring day to encountering a life threatening situation lost on Dartmoor in the winter.
In the following article I have broken the suggested equipment out into different categories with links to example products.
Boots
As mentioned above for most people out on a Sunday afternoon stroll a pair of trainers are all that is needed to have an enjoyable walk. However as soon as you start to take on more strenuous walks this is the area that most rewards investments. A quality pair of well fitted boots will last years if cared for properly and will pay back the investment in them many times over. To find the right pair of boots match them to the terrain you are going to encounter and the time of year you are walking.
In the summer, when the paths are reasonably firm and dry you may wish to consider a pair of trail shoes like these Merrell Men's Waterpro Maipo Hiking Shoe.
These have good ventilation to keep your feet cool and are light weight so won’t hold you back. With a flexible all terrain sole they can cope with a wide range of conditions. The main drawback with this kind of shoe is a lack of ankle support which can be important on tough uneven trails. In this situation I would suggest something like Berghaus Explorer Trail Light Hiking Boot
If you plan to walk through the worst of the British winter you will need a strong pair of boots that are fully waterproof and able to cope with as much muck as the British countryside can throw at them. These Hi-Tec. Waterproof Pinnacle Walking Boots
Navigation
Once you’ve got your feet sorted it helps to know where they are going to take you. Obviously the Devon walks on this site are your first source of inspiration but if you wish to create your own walks or would just like the reassurance of high detailed mapping than the appropriate Ordance Survey map is the best way to go. I recommend the Explorer series of maps as they are the most detailed at 1:25,000 scale. They are easily identified by their bright orange covers and the following sheets cover Devon: -
For those that are more confident map readers and wish to have maps that cover a greater area you can choose the Landranger maps identified by their pink covers. These maps are at 1:50,000 scale and omit finer details such as field boundaries.
To make the best use of your map you should also have a reliable compass and be confident in it’s use taking bearings. Allied with the map these two items should allow you to always pinpoint your location. A compass should be functional in it’s design and be able to withstand the rigours of a life outdoors. I personally use a compass similar to Silva Compass Ranger 3
With the improvements in GPS and portable technology there are now several GPS units that are suitable for the rambler. In my eyes Garmin are the field leaders in this area and their range of products 
Garmin GPS Units
For the casual user many PDAs and other handheld devices can run Memorymap- Memory-Map V5 Dartmoor & Exmoor OS 1:25,000
Clothing
No matter what the weather any walk can be enjoyable provided you are prepared for it. Conversely there is nothing worse than being too hot, too cold or wet when it could have been avoided.
In the summer shorts and a t-shirt are fine provided you have plenty of sun cream. However long trousers are a more sensible option if walking across open moorland where there is a risk of picking up ticks in long grass or brush.
In the spring, autumn and winter it is all about layering. Heat and moisture regulation is easily achieved with a flexible outfit that offers multiple choices for different weather conditions.
A good base layer is the foundation of a practical walking outfit. It needs to be moisture wicking to allowing sweat to be drawn away from the skin. A short sleeve top such as Nike Base Layer
The outer layer needs to be waterproof & windproof. Outside of the winter a basic ‘pack-a-mac’ such as Regatta Pac-Away Jacket
In the winter a good quality Ski Jacket is my choice as it is warm, waterproof and usually has an array of pockets and other practical features. North Face Evolution Triclimate Jacket
Other options include the country gent’s option, the wax jacket
Poles
If you are taking on any serious walks, especially if you are going to be carry a rucksack or camping gear, a set of walking poles will prove invaluable. They considerably reduce the stress on your joints and also help to reduce fatigue. They also help improve your stability on descents.
Leki are the main manufacturer and have a long history of walking pole development. The
Leki Makalu Trekking Pole